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In a move aimed at improving rural connectivity and agricultural access, Governor Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Hyacinth Iormem Alia has approved the immediate construction of a four-cell box culvert at River Lessel in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The directive follows sustained advocacy by community leaders and aligns with the administration’s ongoing commitment to rural infrastructure development under the Benue State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (BN-RAAMP). The culvert, when completed, will facilitate easier vehicular movement between Mbagba community and Ighugh town, easing transportation challenges for farmers, traders, and residents in the area.
Speaking during a ceremony where the project was formally handed over to contractors, the State Project Coordinator of BN-RAAMP, Stephen Sefa Numbebeve, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the provision of culverts and bridges across remote communities in all 23 local government areas. He emphasised that such interventions are deliberately targeted at boosting farm-to-market access, enhancing agricultural marketing, and improving the livelihoods of hinterland farmers.
Represented by Engr. Fevosun Akpen (Head of Infrastructural Engineering, BN-RAAMP), Technical Adviser Engr. Patrick Iorzuua, and Development Communication Officer Stephen Ijoh, the coordinator called on the community to take ownership of the facility, protect it, and continue supporting the Alia-led administration to unlock more democratic dividends.
Community leaders, including the President General of Kunav United Development Association, Mr. Emmanuel Tor Yayir, and the President General of Mbagba Family Association, Godwin Alumunku, expressed strong confidence in Governor Alia’s rural transformation agenda. They described the culvert approval as a direct response to genuine needs and prayed for his re-election in 2027.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, who also serves as the current Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, lauded the governor’s giant strides in rural development, noting that such projects position Benue competitively alongside other states in the federation.
He revealed that the culvert linking his own maternal home was approved on his personal request to the governor, who immediately directed BN-RAAMP to take necessary action.
The handover ceremony featured representatives of Avamoor Nig. Ltd. (Engr. Emmanuel Nevkaa) and Telland Nig. Ltd., the firms awarded the contracts for the four-cell and single-cell service culverts respectively. Traditional leaders, including HRH Gregory Tyohile Gate (District Head of Mbagba), led an inspiring prayer, joined by kindred heads from the area.
The event was characterised by widespread appreciation from community members, who hailed the intervention as a timely response to long-standing access difficulties in the hinterlands. Governor Alia’s administration continues to prioritise rural infrastructure as a key driver of food security, economic growth, and improved quality of life across Benue State.
